MTA keen for Michael Wood to address areas of concern for its members during speech at national conference.
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is hoping the Minister of Transport will address a number of key issues affecting the industry when he opens its national conference this week.
Michael Wood is among a number of speakers who will be at the event being held at the Hilton Auckland on Friday, October 14.
Ian Pike, the MTA’s chief executive, says: “The labour shortage, immigration settings, the clean car programme and cultivating the next generation of automotive workers are all high in our members’ minds.
“We hope the minister will address these issues, and more, in his opening remarks.”
The conference is MTA’s first for several years and is being held as the industry shifts from traditional fossil fuels to include new sustainable technologies.
Pike, pictured, notes that while the MTA broadly supports the government’s climate goals, it does not agree with everything they’re doing.
“For instance, the lack of clarity around the upcoming clean car standard, which is looming up large, is a concern to many members.
“We’ve urged that it be delayed by three months and we’re interested in what the minister has to say about that.”
Bob Boniface, MTA’s president, will outline the association’s strategic direction for the next five years at the event. This includes adopting sustainability practices and principles, attracting young New Zealanders to the industry and ensuring financial growth for members.
Other keynote speakers for the day are Louise Aitken, Toyota NZ partner, circular and climate innovation executive, Gilbert Enoka, All Blacks’ mental skills coach, economic commentator Bernard Hickey, and Sacha Coburn, a creative business consultant and entrepreneur.
Keyword: Industry seeks answers from minister